Scott Martin

The House gave final legislative approval Thursday to a $7.1 billion budget bill to fund state government during the fiscal year that begins July 1.

The measure appropriates about $102 million less than the current year's budget, but would still increase funding for public schools by $80 million.

The legislation also includes a $44 million increase for the Department of Human Services and $36 million for targeted pay raises for thousands of state employees to bring state salaries closer to private sector salaries.

Lawmakers have until the end of this month to complete their work, including the passing of a state budget. The adjournment date might come sooner with the announcement of an agreement on how to spend the state’s money.

The budget to pay for Oklahoma’s government will be $7.1 billion for the fiscal year beginning July 1, under an agreement between Gov. Mary Fallin and legislative leaders. For most state agencies the amount of money they’ll receive in the new budget year is the same as last, but Fallin says the largest increase in the budget is for public schools in Oklahoma.